Four of the ten officials found guilty for the deadly wildfire tragedy in Mati eastern Attica, in 2018, were sent straight to prison, to start serving their sentences.
Three top-ranking former fire brigade officers and former general secretary for civil protection were handed down prison sentences ranging from 238 to 340 years.
Of course, they will not have to serve all these years in prison, they have to actually serve in prison only 5 years, though, the court ruled.
The presiding judge of the Three-Member Misdemeanor Appeals Court announced that their sentences would neither be suspended, nor be convertible, “as they are considered likely to commit new offenses”, adding that this decision will be further supported.
They were found guilty of having contributed to more than 100 deaths and several injuries caused by the wildfire that swept through the seaside town of Mati in July 2018, through their actions and omissions.
For the remaining five persons found guilty, who included fire brigade officers and the Daou resident who accidentally started the blaze, the court handed down also prison sentences up to 238 yeas ruled in favor of the conversion of their sentences to a fine of 10 euros per day.
The Daou resident, who accidentally started the blaze, was sentenced to three years, convertible to a fine.
When the four were taken out of the court for the prison, victims’ relatives and survivors in the audience shouted “Sit down a bit, let’s see the handcuffs!”, “Apologize, guys!”, “Even now unrepentant,” and busted into applause.
PS As usual and no matter how many people lose their lives, it’s only the officials on the field who get fines. Elected politicians have never any responsibility.